&#34;handy kitchen&#34;, pneumatically powered, movable cabinets

ABSTRACT

One power center, which is the combination of a pneumatic power source ( 32 ) and low voltage electric power ( 52 ) executes movement of numerous cabinets, shelving units, and compartments. Each individual design is different depending on the users wants and needs. 
     The embodiments primary, but not only purpose of design, is to improve the lives of people with various handicaps. Further, it utilizes upper areas of high ceilings for all persons, which will give an overall benefit to those businesses whom would use extra space. Additionally, the unique design is economical for consumers and provides a level of safety. The design also improves noise impact and therefore is environmentally friendly. 
     Use of low voltage electric power system ( 52 ), as a part of proposed embodiment, opens avenues for future inclusion of alternative power sources. As of now, solar and wind energy is readily available.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This application relates to a multiple amount of movable cabinets in one location. These cabinets are placed primarily in the kitchen, pantry, closet, and garage. They can also be used in educational, commercial, and industrial facilities. The air compressor and air reservoir storage tank are supported by a low voltage electric system. This is a power source to control movement of all connected cabinets.

2. Prior Art

No prior art related to my application was found.

In past years, numerous inventors developed inventions intended to help people with handicaps. This was done in an effort to help them with everyday tasks such as reaching upper and lower cabinets. These inventions have also been developed for the general public as a simple convenience for everyday work and living environments.

The first group of inventors choose only mechanical means and no use of any power source, for example:

U.S. Pat. No. 2,555,254 to Stebins (1951), U.S. Pat. No. 2,473,239 to Boyd (1949), U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,692 To Snyder (2002), U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,475 B2 to Steadman (2004), U.S. Pat. No. 2,950,158 to Harmon (1960), U.S. Pat. No. 4,009,918 to MacDonald (1977), U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,328 to Price (1990), U.S. Pat. No. 2,592,760 to Sutera (1952), U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,601 to Zwick (1985), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,919 B1 to Israelsen et al. (2003). Part of this group are also foreign applications—Japan 5-176815 to Takashima Makoto (1993), Japan 5-228034 to Imai Yoko (1993), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,743 to Kikuchi et al. (1989), also U.S. D 480,8925 to White (2003). The above listed inventions are not comparable, due to the difficulty of use of by handicapped person(s), or persons of short statue or more commonly called “Little People.”

The Second Group is somewhat closer to the intent of this application. Their inventions, in addition to mechanical means of movement used by the first group, they use electric motors to initiate movement in both directions. The movement is down and up or out and back in. Each movable item such as the cabinet and shelving unit, has its own electric motor.

For example: U.S. Pat. No. 2,429,523 to Murphy (1947), U.S. Pat. No. 3,116,910 to Moore et al. (1964), U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,461 to Kingsborough et al. (1990), U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,763 to Gingold (1993), U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,858 to Nusser (1993), U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,816 to Geiss II (1996), U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,847 to Klawitter et al. (1999), U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,933 to Keene et al. (1999), U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,109 to Zaccai et al., (1993), U.S. Pat. No. 3,361,510 to E. P. McDermott (1968), U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,898 B1 to Jobe (2002), U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,649 to Therkelsen (1991), and App. # US 2008/0211364 A1 to James Solheid et al.

The common denominator of the inventions listed in the second group above is:

-   -   A) Necessary close proximity of electric motor with all other         parts to designated unit. This results in occupying valuable         usable interior space, creating a noisy environment, difficult         access for ongoing maintenance and future repairs, therefore it         is inconvenient, and a high cost to operate.     -   B) Fact, each operating unit (cabinet, shelving unit, etc.)         needs its own electric motor to function and this results in a         high initial cost, and follow up higher maintenance.     -   C) Total dependency on delivery of electric power from a public         grid, to be able to function. In case of a power outage, all         movements will come to an abrupt hold. This would result in an         immediate loss of usability, safety, and creates an overall         inconvenience.     -   D) Nonexistence of emergency back-up system provisions.

SUMMARY

Due to the high cost, inconvenience, and impractical nature of previous inventions or moveable cabinets, I have created a unique system. My system uses pneumatic power media, supported by a low-voltage electric system. The use of pneumatic powered movable cabinets results in many advantages for the user. Whether the user is handicapped, short of stature, or just desiring a more economical and efficient working home environment. My cabinet system allows for easy reaching cabinets with little effort but to touch a switch.

DRAWINGS Figures

*In the below drawings, closely related figures and some components have been used with the same numbers but different alphabetic suffixes*

FIG. 1—Shows Pneumatic power equipment system.

FIG. 2—Shows low voltage electric system.

FIG. 1A—Shows cabinet A—floor mounted—in initial, closed position.

FIG. 1B—Shows cabinet A in horizontally extended position.

FIG. 1C—Shows cabinet A in vertically elevated position.

FIG. 2A—Shows cabinet B—wall mounted—in initial, closed position.

FIG. 2B—Shows cabinet B in lower, diagonally extended position.

FIG. “0”—3-D Drawings showing elevations for publication and readers orientation

DRAWINGS - Reference Numerals A. Lower Cabinet - Floor Mounted: B. Upper Cabinet - Wall Mounted: 10. Air piston, body (cylinder body) a, b, c 12. Air piston, rod (cylinder rod) a, b, c, aa, ba 14. Outer frame - Lower 16. Inner frame - Upper 18. Solenoid air control valve a, b, c 20. Air flow control valve a, b, c, d, e, f 22. A.S.T. - Air Supply Tube, a, b, c, d, e, f 24. Slider guides - Runner - sliding part - a   Slider guides - Runner - stationary part - b 26. Sleeve pipe 28. T = Air supply tube connector 30. Caster wheel 32. Air compressor 34. Air reservoir tank 36. Air manifold 38. Aircraft cable or wire rope 40. Sheaves, fixed, a, b 42. Steele bracket, a, b, c 44. Side divider, a, b 46. J bar 48. J bar a, b 50. Cabinet clearance switch a, b 52. Straigh insulated wire 54. Electric switch operational a, b 56. 110 volt electric supply cord or 220 volt a, b 58. Low voltage battery gang supply power. 60. Sound insulated enclosure, vented to outside air 62. Counter top 64. Extended counter top 66. Front access doors 68. Discharge air vent tube 70. Vent pipe to outside air 72. Clamp 74. Sleeper, spacer, with fastener to floor 76. Electric switch, a, b, c - safety 78. Charger 80. Power supply source. 82. Power supply pack 84. Floor 86. Wall 88. Related components 90. Cabinet door knobs Note: Items (26) sleeve, and (52) streigh insulated wire, have no additional suffix numbers. They are to be placed and used as per each local individual project design. The same rule applies for items (68) Discharge air vent tube, item (72) clamp, and item (74) sleeper spacer with fasteners to surface. Sleeper is built with a suitable piece of material, such is plywood, to accommodate any difference in elevation of adjacent materials or their parts. Item (22), A.S.T., have suffix numbering in locations needed for detailed description, only. Any other A.S.T. is referred to as (22).

FIRST EMBODIMENT Detailed Description—FIGS. 1, 2, 1A, 1B, 1C

FIG. 1: Remotely located—for sound insulation purposes—air compressor (32), as a single source of power for operating of several locations of movable cabinets, with reservoir air storage tank (34) next in line, is providing more economical, ecology and safety friendly operational power system, placed inside sound insulated, vented to outside air (70) enclosure (60). Reservoir air storage tank (34) is supplying air to strategically—in relation to final destinations—located air manifold (36). Function of air manifold (36) is to distribute air power via air supply tubes AST (22) to solenoid control valves (18) located in each operational cabinet—in case of this application—cabinet A shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B,1C, and cabinet B shown FIGS. 2A and 2B. Where AST's (22) are placed inside walls, ceilings, floors, and other enclosed areas, they are protected by sleeves (26). Placement and use of sleeve (26)—which is a pipe of suitable diameter—also allow easy AST (22) replacement in case of repair and standard maintenance. Air compressor (32) is connected to local power supply (80) of 110 or 220 Volts, as available. Related components (88), such are valves, gages, etc., need to be designed and sized as per each individual project.

FIG. 2: Low Voltage battery gang (58) is providing a safe, sufficient electric power source via streigh insulated wiring (52) to power supply pack (82). Then, again thru wires (52), direct current is channeled to J bars (46), (48 a), (48 b), switches (50 a),(50 b) and solenoids (18 a),(18 b), and (18 c), which are controlling movements of cabinets A and B in FIGS. 1A,1B,1C,2A, and 2B. Battery charger (78) is keeping gang of battery's operational at all times, but in case of power outage, system will remain operational for many more hours. Safety electric switches (76 b), (76 c) will allow standard maintenance and repairs.

FIG. 1A, 1B, 1C: As shown, cabinet A is located on floor (84), next to typical kitchen wall (86), mounted within frame (16), which function is to carry cabinet A up and down. Frame (16) has a four vertically mounted slider guides (24) where a sliding part (24 a) is fastened to frame (16), and fixed part (24 b) is mounted to frame (14). Function of frame (14) is to carry frame (16) including cabinet (A) forwards and backwards, using—4 caster wheels (30) along with two horizontally mounted slider guides (24), where sliding part (24 a) is fastened to frame (16), and fixed part (24 b) is fastened to side divider (44 a), which could be adjacent to other movable cabinet. FIG. 1A is showing cabinet A as a “free standing”, for simplicity of illustration. Slider guides (24), used to build prototype, are the same length and type, reason for same numbering.

FIRST EMBODIMENT Operation Description—FIGS. 1, 2, 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c

FIG. 1: Local power supply (80) provides electric power via supply cord (56 a), intercepted by safety switch (76 a) to air compressor (32). Sound insulated enclosure (60) is vented to outside air with vent pipe (70). This protects the air compressor (32) with all related components (88). Air generated by air compressor (32) is compressed to desired pressure. It is delivered via A.S.T. (22) through protective sleeve (26) to air reservoir tank (34). Then, the compressed air travels, via related components (88) and AST (22), to air manifold (36). Air manifolds (36) purpose, is to be able to distribute air to several cabinet locations. From Air manifold (36) compressed air is further traveling via A.S.T. (22) through “T” tube connector (28) again via A.S.T. (22) to final destinations. The final destination are solenoid air control valves (18 a) in FIG. 1A, (18 b) in FIG. 1B and (18 c) in FIG. 2A. The reason for note in FIG. 1 “Future—to other locations” is for Readers clear understanding of possibility that other movable cabinets beside shown embodiments.

FIG. 2: Local power supply (80) is providing electrical power, via supply cord (56 b), intercepted by safety switch (76 b) to battery charger (78). Low voltage gang of batteries (58), connected via streigh insulated wires (52) to battery charger (78) and power supply pack (82). This provides a steady low voltage power supply to all final destinations. For this embodiments, from power supply pack (82), via wiring (52), interrupted by safety switch (76 c), the low voltage power is reaching J bars (46). The low voltage power is additionally reaches J bar (48 a) and (48 b), shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, and 2B. From those J bars, the low voltage power is further distributed to solenoids (18 a), (18 b), (18 c), operational switches (54 a), (54 b) and clearance switches (50 a), (50 b), shown in the same Fig/s.

FIG. 1A: Upon initial command by switch (54 a), solenoid valve (18 a) will release compressed air via supply tube (22 a) to air flow control valve (20 a). This is attached to air cylinder (10 a) where the air will push piston rod (12 a), attached to bracket (42 a), and frame (14) to extended position (12 aa) shown in FIG. 1B. While frame (14) is extending, cabinet A simultaneously extends into position as shown in FIG. 1B. Air cylinder body (10 a), located horizontally in axis below cabinet A, is attached to sleepers (74) and the floor with clamps (72).

FIG. 1B: While extended, by leaving the switch (54 a) in an up position, clearance switch (50 a) will command air control solenoid valve (18 b). This will release compressed air via A.S.T. (22 c) to air flow control valve (20 c), attached to body of air cylinder (10 b). Released compressed air, will push piston rod (12 b) to extended new vertical position (12 ba) shown in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 1C: Upper frame (16) and attached bracket (42 b), with cabinet A will reach it's final position shown in FIG. 1C. Total length of travel going from beginning position 1A to position 1B to final position 1C is always determined and controlled by length of piston rod (2).

Return path from position shown in FIG. 1C back to position 1B and following to original position 1A occurs upon putting switch (54 a) to opposite position from original. Electric power commands air control solenoid valve (18 b) to release compressed air via A.S.T. (22 d) to air flow control valve (20 d), attached to air cylinder body (10 b). At that time, compressed air will push piston rod (12 b) from elevated position shown as (12 ba). This along with attached inner upper frame (16) from an elevated position (FIG. 1C) towards previous position (FIG. 1B). The compressed air will be intercepted by manual switch (54 a) to leave the cabinet A in (FIG. 1B) position for functioning as a counter top extension. Clearance switch (50 b), will automatically signal air control solenoid valve (18 a) to release air via A.S.T. (22 b) to air control valve (20 b). This will push air piston rod (12 a) back inside air piston body (10 a), to reach original position (FIG. 1A). This function will work along with attached frame (16) and mounted cabinet A inside, along with frame (14) on caster wheels (30).

1^(st) ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT FIGS. 2A AND 2B Detailed Description

The purpose of this configuration is to allow persons bound in wheel chair, persons of short statue, persons suffering from vertigo and other handicappers, to reach and access upper wall mounted cabinets. While utilizing pneumatic power generating equipment described in FIG. 1 and same principles described in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, all persons listed above will be able to access cabinets. The entire purpose of this alternative embodiment is upon command the cabinet will come downwards, to consumers reach, as shown in FIG. 2B, and then upon command, return back as shown in FIG. 2A.

Operation Description

FIG. 2A: Upon command via switch (54 b), electric power will reach solenoid control valve (18 c), which will release compressed air via A.S.T. (22 e) to air flow control valve (20 e) attached to air cylinder body (10 c). Air piston rod (12 c) is pushed upwards, and attached cable (38) travels thru sheaves (40 a) and (40 b) ending at bracket (42 c), which is attached to cabinet (B).

Gravity allows cabinet B, shown in position FIG. 2A, to reach a lower position shown in FIG. 2B. This movement is controlled by extension of slider guides (24), where stationary part (24 b) is attached to divider (44 b), and sliding part (24 a) is attached to cabinet B. While (12 c) extends, the compressed air travels from air control valve (200 via A.S.T. (22 e) back to solenoid air control valve (18 c). Air then escapes through vented exhaust port, which is build-in as a part of solenoid air control valve (18 c), via A.S.T. (68) to outside.

FIG. 2B: To elevate cabinet B back to FIG. 2A, from lower position shown in 2B, is done by switch (54 b), where electric power commands solenoid air control valve (18 c). A.S.T (220 then releases compressed air to air control valve (200. Air piston rod (12 c) is pushed downwards, pulling along attached cable (38), which is traveling through sheaves (40 a) and (40 b) and pulling via attached bracket (42 c) cabinet B. Length of air piston rod (12 c) equals total length of travel of cabinet B.

ADVANTAGES

Proposed embodiments attempt to resolve needed access to areas hard to reach for people with handicaps. Those bound in wheelchairs, suffering from vertigo, back problems, joint problems, people of short stature “Little People”, on an affordable basis.

Use of pneumatic power media centrally located, is very economical, ecologically friendly, and safer then previously used electric motors. The use of a single source of power motion to operate movable cabinets makes it convenient as well. Air stored in the air reservoir tank will safely control the movement of several cabinets for many hours after any failure of a public electric grid delivery. Distant location of power center minimizes noise from operating movable cabinets, and allows easy access for standard maintenance and future repairs. Therefore the embodiment is very economical and user friendly.

Further, using low voltage power source to operate movable cabinets directly compliments and multiplies advantages of pneumatic power media by the low voltage used. As movable cabinets are often neighboring water usage fixtures such as faucets and sinks, danger of electric shock is minimized. Electricity stored in the low voltage power source allows a person(s) to safely control movements of several cabinets, in case of a public electric grid failure. Lastly, use of low voltage electric power system to operate pneumatically powered movable cabinets of proposed embodiment, opens additional economical avenues. These avenues can be alternative power sources such as solar and wind power to supply electric power for this proposed system.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of preferred 1^(st) embodiment described in FIGS. 1A,1B,1C, also, in the 1^(st) alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. First embodiment is showing movements of cabinet A, placed on floor in one room, horizontally and vertically. 1^(st) alternative embodiment is showing movements of cabinet B, hung on the wall of one room, moving diagonally up and down.

Both cabinets, A and B, are the most commonly used configuration of placement and usage. Same, or similar cabinets, shelving units and other types of fixtures could be moved only horizontally within one room or thru wall protrusion from one room to the other; or vertically within one room only, or between two or more floors thru ceiling(s) protrusion(s). All, with use of one pneumatic power source. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. Accessibility and retrieval apparatus for use with floor mounted cabinets, comprising of; Fixed outside cabinet assembly, attached to floor and wall, providing a storage position for movable cabinet, with: Two sidewalls and counter top, in this claim, fashioned of wood based products; —Device for moving, comprised of a—stationary parts of sliding device for horizontal movement, attached to inside side of outside, fixed cabinet walls, Horizontal air cylinder body, fasten to floor, having sliding rod operated by compressed air inside, attached to Outer frame. Further is attached assembly comprised of: Solenoid air control valve, airflow control valve, device for air supply tube connection to distanced remounted pneumatic power supply center; Electrical switch, positioning clearance switch and electric distribution bars connected to power supply and air flow control devices; Carrying device providing horizontal movement of Inner frame to reach first retrieval position with: Outer frame, in case of this claim fashioned out of light weight metal or aluminum or hardened plastic composites, Sliding part of sliding device for horizontal movement, attached to outer surface of Outer frame, Stationary parts of two or four sliding devices for vertical movement, attached to inner surface of Outer frame; Fixed device for attachment of sliding rod from horizontal air cylinder; Fixed device for attachment of vertical cylinder body; Vertical cylinder body attached to fixed fastening device, further attached to Outer frame, then, with sliding rod attached to fixed device attached to Inner frame; Further attached are two airflow control valves connected to solenoid control valve and device for air supply tube connected to remotely located pneumatic power supply center; at lease two caster wheels or ball bearing roller devices, no more then four, fasten to the bottom part of mentioned Outer frame for horizontal movement on floor; Positioning, clearance electric switch, signaling full deployment of Outer frame from inside area of Outside fixed cabinet, allowing Inner frame to begin vertical movement upwards to reach second retrieval position. Or, upon further command, remain in first retrieval position. In which the movable cabinet will serve as a counter top extension to fixed cabinet counter top space area. Inner frame as a carrying device for movable Inner cabinet, to reach second retrieval position in eye level of person seating in wheelchair, with center line of cabinet in 38-40 inches or one meter above floor, with Fixed device attached to Inner frame, providing a point of connection to sliding rod of vertical cylinder body; Sliding part of two or four sliding devices for vertical movement, attached to outer surface of Inner frame, which is fashioned in case of this claim out of same materials as Outer frame; Movable inner cabinet assembly fashioned of same materials as fixed outside cabinet. Comprised of: 3 side walls, base plate and top plate, placed within Inner frame perimeter; face frame attached to the cabinet body and to the front of Inner frame, dimensioned sufficiently to match exterior of fixed outer cabinet to provide aesthetic finish product look. Two doors hinged attached to face frame; inside shelving assembly as per individual design and desire;
 4. Accessibility and retrieval apparatus described in claim 1, but where material used, to fashion movable inner cabinet is of light weight metal, aluminum or hardened plastic composites, with strengthened areas in corners and walls, to absorb function of Inner frame described in claim
 1. 5. Accessibility and retrieval apparatus for use with wall or ceiling, or wall and ceiling mounted cabinets, or shelving units. Movable cabinets or shelving units, along with the side vertically mounted guiding panels are fashioned of traditional wood base products, or light weight metal, aluminum, or hardened plastic fiber composites. Guiding device is comprised of sliding or ball bearing runners in desired length, where—fixed parts are attached to inner sides of guiding panels, and Sliding parts are attached to outer sides of movable cabinet or shelves, in desired angle, aimed to reach top of lower cabinet counter top, or pass that level; Moving device is comprised from a— Cable of suitable strength and flexibility, attached to fixed device, further attached to movable cabinet or shelve unit. Then routed through one or two fixed shaves to attached sliding rod of pneumatic cylinder, positioned inside wall or ceiling; pneumatic cylinder with attached solenoid control valve, two airflow control valves with outlet to connect air supply tubes further connected to pneumatic power supply center and discharge air vent tubes to outside air space; Electric power of desired capacity, supplied through electric switch to air control attachments of pneumatic cylinders described above, and distribution bars, to control cabinet or shelve moves. Movement of cabinet or shelving unit is in case of this claim comprised to two Positions: Initial—storage position next to wall or ceiling, where the Cabinet or shelf unit is held in place by moving device under constant Air pressure, unattached to wall or ceiling. Upon command of electric Switch, controlled air flow volume is released from pneumatic cylinder, Allowing the movable cabinet or shelving unit, via gravity, to reach a Retrieval—service position, without any energy consumption, in which remain as long as required by the end user. Return to storage position is done in reverse manor, as described in specifications. 